New Zealand beat Pakistan by seven wickets in opening T20

Sun Online Desk
22nd January, 2018 12:30:51

New Zealand won the opening Twenty20 against Pakistan by seven wickets with 25 balls to spare in Wellington on Monday.

Colin Munro was left 49 not out as they reached their 106 run target for the loss of three wickets in the 16th over.

Pakistan were all out for 105 with two balls remaining in their innings.

Babar Azam made 41 while for New Zealand Tim Southee took three for 13 and Seth Rance had figures of three for 26.

Earlier, Pakistan 's batting woes continued Monday in the first Twenty20 against New Zealand in Wellington as they bundled out for 105.

Only Babar Khan and Hasan Ali, in a 30-run partnership for the eighth wicket, reached double figures.

Babar was the last man out for 41, with two balls remaining in the innings, while Hasan (23) distinguished himself with a huge six to see Pakistan pass their lowest Twenty20 score of 74 set against Australia six years ago.

Before the late charge by Babar and Hasan, Pakistan had again been let down by their recognised batsmen, just as they were when losing all five one-day internationals against New Zealand .

The tourists had hoped the change of format would bring a change of fortune but they were in trouble in the second over when Tim Southee, standing in as captain for the injured Kane Williamson, removed Fakhar Zaman for three.